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Congress leaders have been openly stating that they are preparing to contest all 403 assembly seats in the 2027 polls
The success of the SP-Congress alliance was considered a major factor in the BJP relying more on regional allies to form its government in 2024. File pic/PTI
The alliance between Congress and the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh appears to be unstable, with senior leaders openly stating they are preparing to contest all 403 assembly seats in the polls due in 2027. Congress general secretary Avinash Pande informed the media in Mumbai on Monday that they are gearing up to contest all seats in the upcoming assembly polls.
These remarks follow similar statements made by UP Congress chief Ajay Rai. Even Congress MP Imran Masood has expressed support for going solo. This growing sentiment among senior UP Congress leaders seems to undermine their successful 2024 parliamentary election alliance in Uttar Pradesh, where the SP-Congress coalition significantly challenged the BJP. The SP emerged as the largest party in UP, winning 37 seats, while Congress secured 7.
The success of the SP-Congress alliance was considered a major factor in the BJP relying more on regional allies to form its government in 2024. However, the situation has since changed, with the Congress taking a firmer stance. Earlier this month, UP Congress chief Ajay Rai announced, “We will contest the three-tier panchayat polls in 2026 alone. We have party workers down to the village level and want to instill in them a sense of pride and confidence. Contesting the panchayat polls alone will strengthen the cadre and the organisation.”
He also mentioned that they are preparing to contest all 403 assembly seats in UP, but the high command will make the final decision on alliances. These repeated statements by Congress leaders indicate a hardening stance, jeopardising the future of the alliance. Insiders reveal that Congress has begun finalising names for the panchayat polls due in early 2026 and is not seeking any coordination with the SP.
Samajwadi Party leaders have responded cautiously. A senior SP leader, preferring anonymity, stated, “We had an alliance only for the 2024 parliamentary polls. The Samajwadi Party defeated the BJP convincingly, gaining support from Backwards, Dalits, and minorities. However, there is no final alliance with Congress for the assembly polls. So, there is no question of the alliance breaking. We will decide on forming alliances closer to the polls in 2027.”
December 24, 2025, 06:30 IST
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